Figures show more than half blood donors are aged 45 or over and are calling for more Gen Z and Millennials to donate.
Statistics released by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) shared that the number of regular donors in England aged 17 to 24 declined to almost half the rate it was five years ago.
They show that over 45 year olds make up 56% of regular donors, 4% higher than the past 5 years.
In comparison, they show that in 2017-18, young people aged 17 to 24 made up 13.07% of the donor pool but in 2022-23 this fell to just 7.2%.
These trends are believed to be due to the ageing population and knock-on effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Jo Farrar, chief executive of NHS Blood and Transport, said: “Because lifesaving blood only has a short shelf life, we need to constantly collect it and need a steady stream of new donors.
“For the first time in five years, we have more donors aged over 45 than under, so it has never been more important for younger people to become lifesavers by giving blood.
“Giving blood feels great. In just one hour you can save up to three lives. Please register and book your first appointment today.”
Blood is used by the NHS to treat patients with cancer, blood disorders and those suffering medical trauma or undergoing surgery.
A new campaign from NHS Blood and Transplant particularly aims to recruit more young donors of black heritage, as they are more likely to have the blood type needed to treat the fastest growing genetic blood disorder in the UK. sickle cell.
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